Two Former Longhorns Heading to Toros Training Camp

The Toros announced yesterday that they will be bringing two former University of Texas stars with them when training camp starts this Saturday.

The two players, Brad Buckman ('06) and Kris Clack ('99), both Austin natives, were assigned to the Toros by the D-League as "allocated players," or players with close ties to the local community. Each team in the D-League takes two allocated players with them to training camp, and at least one is guaranteed a spot on the roster.

Buckman, a six-foot-eight-inch power forward from Westlake High, was a four-year starter for the Longhorns, helping them to the NCAA's Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final 4. He ranks 22nd in school history in career scoring, sixth in career rebounds, and third in career blocked shots.

Buckman had plans to play in the Greek professional league this year, signing a one-year contract with top-league team Olimpia Larissa worth $100,000. Unfortunately, Buckman tested positive for Adderall (a prescription drug that treats Attention Deficit Disorder) this past October and was given a two-year suspension for his troubles. Why traces of ADD medication in the blood is cause for suspension is beyond me, but let's hope Greece's loss is Austin's gain.

Considered one of the best all-around players in UT basketball history, swingman Clack, a former McDonald's All-American from Anderson High, started all four years for the Longhorns, finishing his career ranked seventh in school scoring, fourth in rebounds, second in steals, and tied for fourth in blocks. Clack is also the only player in UT history to post 200 career steals and 100 career blocks.

He was selected 55th overall in the 1999 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics but never signed with a team.